Following the February 1917 Russian Revolution, the chaos engulfing Russia spilled over into its military forces. With the nation plagued by upheaval, Allied powers doubted Russia's capacity to continue fighting in World War I. Despite this, some brave Russians were determined to fight to the bitter end. Among them was Maria Putschariva, a legendary figure whose leadership and courage made her a symbol of patriotism and resistance. Her story is intertwined with the formation of the revolutionary Women's Death Battalion, a groundbreaking military unit that challenged gender norms and embodied unwavering patriotism amid tumultuous times.
Maria Putschariva was born in 1889 in the village of Volga. She was a girl from a humble peasant background, with limited education and a lifestyle shaped by hardship. Her father was a notorious drinker who abandoned the family, prompting Maria to start working at the age of eight to support her mother. At just 15, she married and moved to Siberia, but her abusive husband drove her away. She followed her lover to Yakutsk in eastern Siberia, where he was later arrested for theft, and she faced further hardships from 1913 onwards.
When war erupted, Maria was filled with patriotism. Traveling approximately 5,000 kilometers to Tomsk, she volunteered to join the Russian military. Initially, she was told she could serve as a nurse, but she insisted on fighting. Her determined plea reached Tsar Nicholas II directly via telegram, and her request was approved. Maria was characterized by her physical strength, muscular build, and willingness to shed traditional gender roles—she even shaved her head like her male counterparts.
Adopting the nickname "Yashka," Maria trained rigorously—learning how to shoot and fight alongside male soldiers. Journalist Bessie Bitti, a visitor from California in 1917, described her as possessing a masculine strength and voice that sometimes made her mistaken for a man by passersby, despite her femininity. Throughout her service, she was injured multiple times and was awarded at least twice the St. George Cross for bravery on the front lines during 1915-1916.
The Turning Point: From Supporter of the Revolution to Disillusionment
Initially supportive of the February Revolution, Maria grew increasingly alarmed by the chaos, disorder, and collapse of discipline within the military. By summer 1917, mutinies, desertions, and low morale were rampant, prompting the formation of the "Shutskaya" (Fighting) Brigades—elite units intended to demonstrate Russian resolve to the German enemy and boost morale. She believed that women could serve as symbols of sacrifice and patriotism. This motivation ignited her plan to form a female combat unit—a women's battalion of death.
Seeking official backing, Maria approached Mikhail Rodzhenko, the head of the Duma, who supported her initiative and advocated for her to gain approval from Minister of War Alexander Keresnky. Maria successfully established Russia's first women’s battalion of death at the Kolomensky Institute, gathering volunteers from across the country. She called for women with “pure hearts and noble spirits” willing to fight and sacrifice for Russia, promising they would be exemplary figures of bravery.
Within days, thousands responded, but after initial enthusiasm, many volunteers withdrew due to the brutal training regimen and harsh discipline. Only about 300 women, mostly teenagers aged 15-18, remained dedicated. They trained intensively for ten hours daily, equipped with rifles and distinguished by a special black arrow insignia embroidered on their uniform sleeves—a symbol of their readiness to fight and die for Russia.
The international press quickly covered the story, although public appreciation was mixed. Russian streets often mocked or provoked the female soldiers, but Maria’s leadership was recognized at official functions. She was awarded a golden ribbon bearing the inscription “First Women’s Battalion of Death by Maria Putschariva.” She was promoted to officer, receiving a pistol, sword, and officer’s belt from General Lavr Kornilov, and she led her women to the front lines.
The battalion journeyed to the front at Petrograd-Warsaw station, where they faced derision from some soldiers and agitators. They joined the Russian Tenth Army at Molidchino, engaging in combat against German forces. During the Battle of Simergon on July 20, 1917, the battalion fought fiercely, but many were killed or wounded. Maria was injured when a shell exploded nearby, experiencing severe trauma. Despite her injuries, she was promoted again and continued to serve, symbolizing resilience and patriotism.
British activist Emilien Binkerstein, an advocate for women's rights, reported in a telegram from Petrograd that the battalion had quickly become a morale booster and gained a reputation for success, including capturing 100 prisoners in a single attack. Maria’s leadership extended her influence beyond Russia’s borders; she sought support from Britain and the United States, where she briefly resided. She wrote her memoirs titled Yashka: My Life as a Peasant, Exile, and Soldier, and later met King George V in Britain.
In 1918, Maria attempted to reform and organize a new female battalion but failed. Returning to Siberia, she volunteered again for the Russian White Army under General Alexander Kolchak. However, the Bolshevik uprising soon led to her capture—this time, she was not released. She was executed by firing squad on May 20, 1920, identified as an enemy of the Soviet state.
Maria Putschariva’s life and heroism continue to inspire stories and films. The 2015 Russian film The Battalion dramatizes her leadership and sacrifice, emphasizing her as a symbol of patriotism and the indomitable spirit of women in wartime. Her legacy as a woman who defied gender expectations to fight alongside men remains a powerful testament to courage and unwavering commitment to one’s country.
Maria Putschariva was a truly exceptional figure—her rise from a peasant girl to a celebrated military leader epitomizes resilience, patriotism, and the pursuit of equality in the face of chaos. Her story highlights the significant, sometimes overlooked, contributions of women during one of the pivotal periods in Russian history. Though her life ended tragically, her legacy endures as a symbol of sacrifice, bravery, and defiance against all odds.
Part 1/14:
The Remarkable Story of Maria Putschariva and the Women's Death Battalion during World War I
Introduction: Chaos in Russia and the Spark for Female Militancy
Part 2/14:
Following the February 1917 Russian Revolution, the chaos engulfing Russia spilled over into its military forces. With the nation plagued by upheaval, Allied powers doubted Russia's capacity to continue fighting in World War I. Despite this, some brave Russians were determined to fight to the bitter end. Among them was Maria Putschariva, a legendary figure whose leadership and courage made her a symbol of patriotism and resistance. Her story is intertwined with the formation of the revolutionary Women's Death Battalion, a groundbreaking military unit that challenged gender norms and embodied unwavering patriotism amid tumultuous times.
Early Life and Personal Struggles
Part 3/14:
Maria Putschariva was born in 1889 in the village of Volga. She was a girl from a humble peasant background, with limited education and a lifestyle shaped by hardship. Her father was a notorious drinker who abandoned the family, prompting Maria to start working at the age of eight to support her mother. At just 15, she married and moved to Siberia, but her abusive husband drove her away. She followed her lover to Yakutsk in eastern Siberia, where he was later arrested for theft, and she faced further hardships from 1913 onwards.
Motivation to Join the Russian Army
Part 4/14:
When war erupted, Maria was filled with patriotism. Traveling approximately 5,000 kilometers to Tomsk, she volunteered to join the Russian military. Initially, she was told she could serve as a nurse, but she insisted on fighting. Her determined plea reached Tsar Nicholas II directly via telegram, and her request was approved. Maria was characterized by her physical strength, muscular build, and willingness to shed traditional gender roles—she even shaved her head like her male counterparts.
Service and Valor on the Frontlines
Part 5/14:
Adopting the nickname "Yashka," Maria trained rigorously—learning how to shoot and fight alongside male soldiers. Journalist Bessie Bitti, a visitor from California in 1917, described her as possessing a masculine strength and voice that sometimes made her mistaken for a man by passersby, despite her femininity. Throughout her service, she was injured multiple times and was awarded at least twice the St. George Cross for bravery on the front lines during 1915-1916.
The Turning Point: From Supporter of the Revolution to Disillusionment
Part 6/14:
Initially supportive of the February Revolution, Maria grew increasingly alarmed by the chaos, disorder, and collapse of discipline within the military. By summer 1917, mutinies, desertions, and low morale were rampant, prompting the formation of the "Shutskaya" (Fighting) Brigades—elite units intended to demonstrate Russian resolve to the German enemy and boost morale. She believed that women could serve as symbols of sacrifice and patriotism. This motivation ignited her plan to form a female combat unit—a women's battalion of death.
Formation of the Women's Death Battalion
Part 7/14:
Seeking official backing, Maria approached Mikhail Rodzhenko, the head of the Duma, who supported her initiative and advocated for her to gain approval from Minister of War Alexander Keresnky. Maria successfully established Russia's first women’s battalion of death at the Kolomensky Institute, gathering volunteers from across the country. She called for women with “pure hearts and noble spirits” willing to fight and sacrifice for Russia, promising they would be exemplary figures of bravery.
Part 8/14:
Within days, thousands responded, but after initial enthusiasm, many volunteers withdrew due to the brutal training regimen and harsh discipline. Only about 300 women, mostly teenagers aged 15-18, remained dedicated. They trained intensively for ten hours daily, equipped with rifles and distinguished by a special black arrow insignia embroidered on their uniform sleeves—a symbol of their readiness to fight and die for Russia.
Public Reaction and Recognition
Part 9/14:
The international press quickly covered the story, although public appreciation was mixed. Russian streets often mocked or provoked the female soldiers, but Maria’s leadership was recognized at official functions. She was awarded a golden ribbon bearing the inscription “First Women’s Battalion of Death by Maria Putschariva.” She was promoted to officer, receiving a pistol, sword, and officer’s belt from General Lavr Kornilov, and she led her women to the front lines.
Battle Engagements and Personal Sacrifice
Part 10/14:
The battalion journeyed to the front at Petrograd-Warsaw station, where they faced derision from some soldiers and agitators. They joined the Russian Tenth Army at Molidchino, engaging in combat against German forces. During the Battle of Simergon on July 20, 1917, the battalion fought fiercely, but many were killed or wounded. Maria was injured when a shell exploded nearby, experiencing severe trauma. Despite her injuries, she was promoted again and continued to serve, symbolizing resilience and patriotism.
International Support and Later Years
Part 11/14:
British activist Emilien Binkerstein, an advocate for women's rights, reported in a telegram from Petrograd that the battalion had quickly become a morale booster and gained a reputation for success, including capturing 100 prisoners in a single attack. Maria’s leadership extended her influence beyond Russia’s borders; she sought support from Britain and the United States, where she briefly resided. She wrote her memoirs titled Yashka: My Life as a Peasant, Exile, and Soldier, and later met King George V in Britain.
Part 12/14:
In 1918, Maria attempted to reform and organize a new female battalion but failed. Returning to Siberia, she volunteered again for the Russian White Army under General Alexander Kolchak. However, the Bolshevik uprising soon led to her capture—this time, she was not released. She was executed by firing squad on May 20, 1920, identified as an enemy of the Soviet state.
Legacy and Cultural Memory
Part 13/14:
Maria Putschariva’s life and heroism continue to inspire stories and films. The 2015 Russian film The Battalion dramatizes her leadership and sacrifice, emphasizing her as a symbol of patriotism and the indomitable spirit of women in wartime. Her legacy as a woman who defied gender expectations to fight alongside men remains a powerful testament to courage and unwavering commitment to one’s country.
Conclusion: A Heroine of Unmatched Dedication
Part 14/14:
Maria Putschariva was a truly exceptional figure—her rise from a peasant girl to a celebrated military leader epitomizes resilience, patriotism, and the pursuit of equality in the face of chaos. Her story highlights the significant, sometimes overlooked, contributions of women during one of the pivotal periods in Russian history. Though her life ended tragically, her legacy endures as a symbol of sacrifice, bravery, and defiance against all odds.